There being many dangers to encounter on his contemplated voyage down the Yellowstone and Missouri, every precaution was taken that might possibly lessen them.

General Terry kindly sent information to all the military posts and Indian agents along the rivers of Boyton's voyage and requested them to tell the Indians so that they would not shoot him in mistake for some strange water animal.
On the 15th of September, 1881, Boyton arrived at the terminus of the railroad at Glendive, Montana, then a little town made up of rough board houses and tents, which was the highest point on the Yellowstone he could reach.

He went to a hotel and asked if he could be accommodated with a room.

"I reckon you can," said the landlord, "there's only sixty in there now." He was not compelled to occupy that general sleeping room, however, as the superintendent of a construction train provided a place for him in one of the cars.

He remained two days in Glendive, completing preparations for his journey.